The Power of YouTube: Unlocking the Power of Brands, Programming, and Monetization

YouTube has officially evolved from being a massive repository of extraordinary video content to a massive repository of content channels. These channels bring viewers millions of hours of global video production and spontaneity. YouTube is re-writing the future of television.

Jennifer Perri, Director of Partnership Development & Multi-platform Strategy, Univision: Jennifer is currently the Director of Partnership Development & Multi-platform Strategy at Univision. Jen is an expert in YouTube network development, brand integration, audience development and influencer management. Since 2010, Jen has launched and developed networks for Seventeen Magazine (Hearst), Tastemade, Collective Digital Studios and co-founded BigFrame (acquired by Dreamworks). She also has managed and developed some of the biggest YouTube influencers in the world including Jenna Marbles, Wassabi Productions, and SuperEEEgo. From 2007 - 2010, Jen served as Production Manager and Digital Producer for 4 seasons of the Emmy nominated and Peabody award winning documentary series, Vanguard. From 2006 – 2007, Jennifer coordinated the sourcing and acquisition of hundreds of short form web content for air on Current TV. In 2007, Current TV won the first Emmy award for Best Interactive Television Series at the Primetime Emmy Awards. Jen has a Bachelor degree from the University of San Francisco in Communication studies and is a San Francisco native. She currently resides in Manhattan Beach, CA.

Sarah Malkin, Vice President, Programming, New Form: Sarah Malkin serves as vice president of programming for entertainment studio New Form. In this newly created role, Malkin oversees the development, production, and distribution of content on New Form-controlled outlets. In the past two years, New Form Digital has seen success selling original content to multiple platforms and will continue to be innovative in its approach to distribution. Malkin joins New Form from Maker Studios where she served in key executive roles as vice president of programming, general manager of Life+Style, and head of branded entertainment. Her leadership helped usher the company from start-up through hyper growth to eventual acquisition by Disney. Based in Los Angeles, Malkin is a graduate of Pomona College and has a Master of Fine Arts from Boston University.

Rebecca Donohue, Director of Digital Content & Social Media, Vin Di Bona Productions (VDBP): producers of “America's Funniest Home Videos,” the longest-running, primetime entertainment show in the history of the ABC network, also known as “AFV.” Rebecca oversees the AFV Digital team in the production of all digital content across online platforms including Donohue produces, conceptualizes and executes innovative campaigns to expand AFV's fan base in the digital space. In addition to AFV, she works hand in hand with AFV's syndication partnerships and with the brand managers for Petsami, VDBP's pet-centric YouTube channel. Under Donohue's oversight and with the help of her dedicated team, AFV's digital footprint has experienced healthy growth with significant increase across all social media platforms. Prior to her work with AFV Digital, Rebecca wrote original concepts and copy for Maker Studios, E!'s “Fashion Police” with Joan Rivers, LA Times Web Marketing among other properties. Rebecca is also a seasoned stand-up comedian who has performed in 30 out of the 50 states, as well as abroad with Navy Entertainment. She has appeared on “Tough Crowd with Colin Quinn,” Comedy Central's “Premium Blend,” Logo's “One Night Stand Up” and a handful of Vh1's “Best Break ups,” “Awesome 90s,” “Worst Everything” type shows.

James Creech is the Co-Founder and CEO of Paladin Software, leading technology provider for next-generation media companies. The Paladin platform solves mission critical functions for online video networks, from network management to revenue tracking and business intelligence. Trusted by the world’s pre-eminent influencer networks, IP holders, and digital publishers, Paladin’s software supports more than 200,000 content creators and tracks a collective 15 billion monthly video views. Prior to Paladin, James served as SVP, Growth for Bent Pixels, a leading MCN and global media company. As employee #5 at Channel Factory, over two and a half years, he helped grow the video adtech startup from 0 to eight-figure revenues and 40+ employees. He also worked with Blizzard Entertainment’s Global Planning & Support team on project management, process improvement, and globalization initiatives. He is the creator and host of All Things Video, the first podcast dedicated to uncovering the past and charting the future of the online video ecosystem. James graduated magna cum laude from the University of Southern California with a B.S. in Business Administration, a B.A. in Political Science, and a minor in Film Production.

George (AKA MADDOX) is a best selling author, satirist, and online personality. His YouTube videos receive millions of views, and his podcasts are consistently in the iTunes top 10, also with millions of downloads. But beyond these, he is one of the most strategic and brilliant people I know. He studies the various platforms and understands the new brand ecosystem better than almost anyone. He’s a wealth of information, and gives practical, specific advice. When I was working with the Industry Workshops at the CBS Lot, we brought on MADDOX as a lecturer on several occasions. His sessions were always informative, approachable, and popular. Sometimes, his fans would show up with cookies.

John Holdridge serves as Vice President of Channel Plus at Fullscreen. A digital media veteran with 10 years of web, social, and video experience, he oversees the team that executes strategy and growth for the YouTube channels of Fortune 500 brand and media clients such as NBC, Turner Entertainment, 20th Century Fox, and GE. Prior to Fullscreen, he worked at Universal Music Group and Village Roadshow pictures. John has been awarded two New York Academy of Interactive Arts Awards, one in 2010 and another in 2011. He received his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Southern California, where he studied communications with an emphasis in media and entertainment.